Four new motorway service stations unveiled by Applegreen

Ambitious plans have been revealed to build four new motorway service stations in Northern Ireland which will create 240 jobs.

Dublin-based Petrogas Global is the company behind the £25m investment in new forecourts, the first two of which will be built this year and opened in early 2015 between junction four and five on the M2 near Templepatrick, followed by an additional pair on the M1 to be built in 2015.

The new stations will operate under the Applegreen brand and will join 12 others the country operates in the Republic include four on the Belfast-to-Dublin road.

Robert Etchingham, Chief Executive Officer for Applegreen said there is demand for forecourts on some of Northern Ireland's motorway routes.

"I am delighted that we are now launching into Northern Ireland, as this area is a key part of our expansion plans," he said. "We are constantly looking for new sites to build and acquire, and although the motorway network in the north has significantly improved in recent years, there is still a shortage of service areas on these major routes."

"We have already received a lot of support from consumers in the north who know the uniqueness of the Applegreen brand and we are confident that we can build and improve on what is currently being offered."

Each service station will employ 60 people once opened – from managers to sales assistants – and the company said 250 construction workers will be employed on each site for the duration of the build.

The new motorway service area will boast a number of facilities including 16 car fuelling points, a HGV fuelling area, Burger King Drive Thru, Applegreen convenience shop, Applegreen's own 'Bakewell' café and a Subway restaurant.

There will also be a new business centre, as well as indoor and outdoor children's play areas, bathroom facilities, and ample car, coach and HGV parking.